By the end of this reflection, I propose a model for healthy social Interactions. To get to this end, I unpack the following concepts: defense mechanisms (raising the question if they are healthy); operating with an emotional track (whether or not one is aware of its existence); failed relationships as bridges (for better opportunities); the child within (and its relationship with the adult within); and attunement (juxtaposed against understanding). This is a concept heavy reflection. MBTI Themes: INTJ, INFJ and Judging

This reflection ends with a conversation around childhood complications when parents have not healed from their own childhoods. However, the full discussion is filled with related randomness: about the menstrual cycle (starting as a young girl), about (perceived) rights of passages into womanhood, about adult children of alcoholic parents, about the weaponization of parental power, and about smiling and the politics of beauty. *MBTI Talking Points: Ni, INTJ, INFJ, Fe, and ESFJ

This reflection starts off as a survey of my latest thinking: a) the intellectual playbook and who owns it; b) maternal love; and c) the self as aspiration, illusion and form. I then move into a lengthy consideration of the the third thought (as relating to the self). Finally, I close with a mash-up of all three where I consider the self as anti-erasure work (particularly for people raised with a denied sense of self). Random points discussed: cognitive functions that are irrational and subjective; poetry; and emotional darkness. An assignment is given at the end and will be uploaded at www.yournidom.wordpress.com.

The overarching theme of this reflection is about evolving. In it, I talk about my evolution on Tiktok (moving from play to work), my evolution as an educator, and my evolution as a messenger. I end the reflection asking listeners about when they allow for evolution versus when they block it. Random talking points along the way: work as fun versus work as labor; inductive thinking versus deductive thinking; and tertiary/inferior functions being opportunities as opposed to being liabilities.

This reflection ends with a discussion (and a question) on identity, intimacy and a healthy relationship with the self. Along the way, I talk about my own identity (particularly as an organizational leader) and my work with intimacy (while recovering from family trauma). Points of Randomness: friendships, teaching, entrepreneurship, spirituality, and ENTJ action vs INTJ action.

This reflection is mainly about understanding masculine and feminine energy as a social construct. It is influenced by a prominent INTJ YouTuber who attempts to integrate cognitive functions into the consideration of masculinity and femininity. Along the way, I talk about being a dominant observer but a double decider. I talk about the impact that being an Enneagram 8 has on how I decide and take action in the world. Finally (and it's actually where I start), I talk about being vulnerable.

In the first half of this reflection (after the introduction), I offer a mini-lesson on cognitive dissonance as both a concept and a process. However, in the second half, I talk about the different types of dissonance I personally experience and the intellectual AND emotional reactions I have to them. The greatest value of this reflection (for me) is how I connect cognitive functions which then explains the dissonance for which I am drawn and the dissonance for which I am repulsed.

This reflection ends with a question around impact vs impact. Most of the conversation is me discusing two impact-situations that did not match my intentions. One was with a colleague who experienced me as an INTJ8 (although he was not the intended target for my INTJ8-ness). The other was with a student (who self identifies as an INFP). In the reflection, you will hear me trying to balance care (for her) with authenticity (for myself). Note: the first 10 minutes of this episode is me talking through my operating system (four disciplines that influence my worldview on a daily basis). Note 2: Another point of conversation (made later in the reflection) is on education as a political experience for black people.

This reflection is Part 2 to Seeing. It wrestles with understanding sensitivity as a physical, emotional or intellectual phenomenon.

I end this reflection with a discussion on seeing people as opposed to experiencing them. Along the way I talk about the nature of seeing. I also talk about being a seeing person and the three ways I have experienced my seeing-nature (as relating to people). There is a three part assignment at the end which will be eventually uploaded to www.yournidom.wordpress.com.